Sex scenes in movies are something that can be hard to avoid (no pun intended). You never know when one is going to happen and most of the time it can be awkward for the viewers- especially if you are watching the movie with your parents. So, what makes a sex scene great?! Does it need to be realistic, erotic, or controversial?! We have gone through most of the movies to help you find some of the groundbreaking (and weird) sex scenes that movies can offer. Read more if you want to find out how these scenes of love-making are remarkable.
Persona (1966)
Let’s start from the black and white era of cinema. Directed by Ingmar Bergman, Persona is about the catatonic breakdown of stage star Elisabet and how she built a mesmerizing relationship with her nurse Alma. In one of the scenes from the movie, Alma relates to the time when she and her girlfriend had sex with underage boys on the beach. Though the incident led to some dire consequences, the scene is so groundbreaking because it got censored from many screenings, even though there is no sex in it. That is expert-level and only Bergman can make things unbearably hot from just a monologue. The cinematic beauty of this scene is that it would have never been the same if the actual scene was shown in the movie.
Brokeback Mountain (2005)
Based on Annie Proulx’s story about two cowboys falling in love, Brokeback Mountain does have some intense sex scenes. One particular scene, however, is so damn intense. It was cold at night in the hills of Wyoming, and the two ranchers huddle up together for warmth. We all know what happened next. What makes this sex scene so extraordinary is that it was first time that we saw gay sex on the mainstream cinema and it paved the way for many in the future. With brilliant performances from Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal, the got three Oscars from eight nominations (2006). However, it never got a nomination for Best Picture, and some believe that it because of homophobia.
In the Realm of the Senses (1976)
Considered as director Nagisa Oshima’s masterpiece, In the Realm of the Senses is a true story about an all-consuming sexual obsession that developed between a hotel owner and his employee in 1936 Tokyo. The reason the movie deserves a place on this list is because of the highly erotic sex acts seen throughout the movie. It gets totally weird at times too, like when Kichizo inserts a hard-boiled egg into the vagina of his new bride, Sada in front of all the people serving the dinner. She is forced to squat like a hen and lay the egg on the floor for him to eat. This is a straightforward sexual assault, but the scene is crafted to make these judgments irrelevant.
Yes!! We know this movie is so creepy- even for the generation of free internet porn. But, we had to include the movie for pushing the boundaries of cinematic sex scenes.
The Last Temptation of Christ (1976)
If there is a movie in which Jesus Christ is having sex, then it deserves to be on this list for that reason alone. The man who made him do it onscreen- none other than Martin Scorsese. In his movie The Last Temptation of Christ, there is a scene where Jesus fathering a child with Mary Magdalene and the director decided to do it actually showing JC do it on screen. Sure, it is a dream sequence. Still, it did not stop people from losing their minds. The movie turned out to become one of the most controversial films ever.
Ekstase (1933)
In 1933, Czech director Gustav Machaty released the overheated melodrama that involves an impotent husband, a young wife, and her admirer. The movie is iconic for many reasons and one of the main reasons is that it was the first movie to show onscreen female orgasm. The 19-year-old Hedy Kiesler became an international icon after the movie’s release- especially after the nude swimming scene. Even though U.S customs burned uncensored prints of the movie, the actress signed a deal with MGM and became the Hollywood goddess that we know her as today.
Basic Instinct (1992)
A list of famous movie sex scenes will not be complete without Basic Instinct. Yes, you know the iconic scene we are talking about. Catherine Tramell is called in for questioning. She is smoking a cigarette with her icy cold expression and all calculating composure. Finally, the iconic uncrossing of legs turns the tables on not just her interrogators, but also us the audience.
It Happened One Night (1934)
This is an another no sex -sex scene from the black and white era. Then, what makes this scene from It Happened One Night so groundbreaking?! When their bus breaks down, the leading characters Colbert and Gable are forced to spend a night together in the hotel room, posing as husband and wife. Gable can be seen hanging on to the sheer between the twin bed for modesty’s sake. During an era, when Hays Code censorship was strictly followed, such a scene was considered extremely scandalous. The movie scene even provoked many viewers during the time.
Last Tango in Paris (1972)
Two strangers meet in Paris and goes on to have impersonal sex. The plot of Last Tango in Paris is like it was designed to showcase some breathtaking erotic scenes onscreen. The movie is a pipe bomb of an art film and evoked many controversies from its date of release. One particular scene from the movie is considered highly sexual, in which Marlon Brando pins Maria Schneider on the hardwood floor and try our some dairy products in an unforgettable fashion. It was too much for many to handle and during its debut in 1972 New York Film Festival, there were lots of screams, walkouts. Calls for banning the movie followed and many critics stated that the movie was an over glorification of rape.
The Kiss (1896)
The Kiss is one of the earliest films to be shown to the public, directed by William Heise for Thomas Edison. At just 18 seconds long, the movie that showcases the kiss from a popular musical of the time, The Widow Jones. What’s wrong with a kiss?! But for the audience of the time, seeing a kiss up close and person on the big screen felt so scandalous. Edison, you naughty trickster!!
